Muniesa adds to Stoke defensive crisis

Marc Muniesa has been ruled out for up to six weeks with a torn hamstring as Stoke City's defensive ranks continue to thin.

Published

17 February 2015

The Spaniard picked up the injury in Stoke's 4-1 FA Cup defeat to Blackburn Rovers as he chased down Rovers' hat-trick hero Josh King on his way to a second of three goals.

Geoff Cameron was sent off in that game meaning he will be suspended for Saturday's trip to Aston Villa, while Erik Pieters (groin) and Ryan Shawcross (back) are injured and German defender Robert Huth is out on loan at Leicester City.

Marc Wilson may recover from a knock to feature at Villa Park, but manager Mark Hughes could be forced to put square pegs in round holes if not.